CHRISTCHURCH • NEW ZEALAND
Performing Arts
Anyone who has seen drama performances at Linwood College will be well aware of their exceptional standard.
Linwood’s major music-drama productions have set a benchmark which few schools, if any, can equal. Since the 1960’s when drama teacher John Kim, who founded the Court Theatre, Christchurch’s leading professional company, presented a series of innovative and ambitious original theatre works, Linwood College has attracted the very best drama teachers in New Zealand. John Kim’s legacy continues to result in theatre of an extraordinary quality and originality.
Many students come to Linwood College because of the strength of it’s drama and the consistently high standards of performances. The Performing Arts have always been strongly supported at the school by teachers, students and the community. The annual music-drama production is a highlight for many students and many former students comment that drama productions were the highlight of their school lives, and that they learned a huge amount from their participation in these productions. Such participation is also open to any student, regardless of subject choice. Over the rehearsal period for major productions, students attend a three day ‘Production Camp’ off-site, allowing time for some very intensive rehearsal. This camp is often the highlight of the student’s year.
Senior plays are also staged every year. In these, senior drama students have the opportunity to perform challenging roles in full length plays. The plays are always chosen for their literary merit and significance and give the students a level of experience usually reserved for professional actors.
There is no doubt that the Performing Arts at Linwood College provide a very special and unique range of skills and learning.
